Giant rats are common, low-leveled monsters. They can often be found in swamps and sewers, and are often killed by low-leveled players training their Combatskills as they are weak and can be easily found around Lumbridge and Varrock.

They are the first monster a player will defeat in Old School RuneScape, as Vannaka will task the player with defeating one on Tutorial Island.

One of two giant rats found near Damis during Desert Treasure can be used to safespot him by luring Damis and the other aggressive monsters behind it, making the fight considerably easier.